When a seal "blows," it means it's cracked, torn, or otherwise compromised, allowing the fluid it's meant to contain to leak. This can lead to several serious problems, depending on which seal is affected:
* Oil leaks: Blown seals in the engine (e.g., crankshaft seal, valve cover gasket, camshaft seal) will cause oil to leak, potentially leading to low oil pressure, engine damage, and even engine failure.
* Coolant leaks: Leaks from seals in the cooling system (e.g., water pump seal, thermostat housing gasket) will result in coolant loss, overheating, and potentially engine damage.
* Transmission fluid leaks: Damaged seals in the transmission can lead to fluid loss, affecting shifting performance and potentially causing transmission failure.
* Differential leaks: Leaks from seals in the differential will cause gear oil loss, leading to potential damage to the differential gears.
The consequences of a blown seal vary depending on the location and severity of the damage, but generally, ignoring the problem can lead to costly repairs or even catastrophic engine failure. A leaking fluid is a clear indication that a seal has likely failed and needs professional attention.
